GERMANY MOVES TO CURB NIGERIA’S $1.5BN YEARLY GAS FLARING LOSS

Germany has rolled out a new initiative to help Nigeria tackle gas flaring, which cost the country an estimated $1.5 billion in 2024 after 5.3 billion cubic metres of associated gas were burned, ranking Nigeria seventh globally in flare volumes.

German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, disclosed this during the 25th Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week in Abuja. The new programme aims to commercialise flare gas by converting it into economic value for households, industries, and potential low-carbon hydrogen production.

The move builds on the 2025 Joint Declaration of Intent on Bilateral Energy Transition Dialogue between the two nations. It focuses on technical, regulatory, and financing models to capture and utilise flared gas, reducing greenhouse gas emissions while boosting domestic energy supply and creating new revenue streams.

The partnership, which dates back to 2008, involves collaboration with GIZ, Siemens Energy, and the European Union. It aligns with Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan and efforts to end routine flaring.

Experts believe the initiative could significantly cut Nigeria’s energy waste, enhance power generation, support industrial growth, and advance climate goals. Successful implementation may attract more international investment into Nigeria’s gas sector.